271 2 Chapter 11 Promoting Children’s Safety
Transportation
Motor vehicle accidents pose
the greatest threats to children’s
lives. Vans, buses, and other
vehicles owned by the center should
have safety door locks and safety
restraints installed according to
manufacturers’ specifications. fi
★ All children should ride in the
back seat of a car until at least
through age 12.
★ Children up to age 3 should
ride in a rear-facing car seat
until they reach the seat’s height
or weight limits.
★ Children age 4–7 should ride in
a forward-facing car seat with
a harness until they reach the
seat’s height or weight limits.
★ Children age 8–12 who have
outgrown car seats need a
booster seat, lap belt, and
shoulder harness.
★ Check with the National Highway
Traffi Safety Administration fic
Web site for individual state laws.
Train all staff and parent
volunteers on the proper use of safety
seats. While riding in any center
vehicles, children should be fastened
in a properly adjusted seat belt or
safety seat. Do not allow children to
put their arms or heads out of the
vehicle’s windows. When a number of
children are riding in a vehicle, extra
adult supervision may be required.
Center vehicles should be
equipped for emergency situations.
A fi rst aid kit for treating minor fi
injuries should be located in
each vehicle. Moreover, a fire fi
extinguisher and tools for changing
tires should also be present in each
vehicle. Vehicle drivers should be
informed how to use these items.
Building Security
Safety measures must be taken
to control unauthorized access to
the building. Some centers issue
keypads or card keys such as those
used in hotels to parents and staff.
Outside gates should have locks
installed and be locked. Some centers
also install observation cameras to
monitor entrances and exits.
Many accidents that occur in
centers involve the building and
building fixtures. Windows, doors, fi
fl oors, and stairs all may cause fl
injuries. Doors should have rubber
gaskets to prevent finger pinching. fi
They should be designed to open to
the outside and have see-through
panes. This will help prevent
injuries by making the children
visible to anyone opening the door.
Keep windows closed at all
times unless gates or sturdy screens
are in place. Keep fl oors dry. If wax fl
is used, use a nonslip type. Cover
stairways with carpet or rubber
treads. Make sure stairways are
well-lighted and free of clutter.
Install railings at the children’s level
on both sides of the stairs.
Sliding patio doors, doors with
glass panels, and storm doors can
all be dangerous. To protect the
children, use only safety glass.
Decals applied to sliding glass doors
at their eye level warn children of
glass they might not otherwise see.
Cover all unused electrical outlets
in the building. Avoid using extension
cords, particularly if they are placed
under carpets or rugs. If the cord
becomes worn, a fi re may occur. fi
Practice Fire Safety
To promote fi re safety, check fi
the center regularly for fire hazards. fi